Quarterbacks suffer serious injuries in first home win of season

Miami Gardens — Tony Sparano said he had "no idea" who his starting quarterback would be Thursday night against the Bears, but it looks like his choices have been narrowed to one: Tyler Thigpen.

According to a team source, both Chad Pennington and Chad Henne are "more than likely" out for the season after suffering serious injuries in Sunday's 29-17 win over the Tennessee Titans.

A second team source said Pennington is "probably" out for the year with a fourth career injury to his throwing shoulder, but there is still "a lot left to learn" on Henne's injury to his left knee.

With the Dolphins needing to sign at least one and likely two quarterbacks this week, journeyman Patrick Ramsey, former Raider JaMarcus Russell and ex-Bronco Tom Brandstater have reportedly been contacted.

Ramsey, who hasn't started an NFL game in five years, has made four appearances since the 2006 season began. He spent the 2010 preseason with the Saints.

Henne left the locker room on crutches and had a 6:30 p.m. MRI scheduled on his left knee, which was twisted while throwing an incompletion late in the third quarter. Henne said his kneecap was hit from the outside and "bent forward" on the play.

"It doesn't feel good," Henne said. "For me, if I can stand and I can run around, I'm going to be playing. Obviously, I'm not going to be the one to baby my knee. If I can be out there, I'm going to be out there."

Pennington opened the game with his first start since Week 3 of 2009 but injured his thrice surgically repaired right shoulder on the first play of the game. He stayed in for one more play before leaving for good.

Pennington did not speak to reporters after the game. A Dolphins spokesman said Pennington did not "want to be a distraction," but teammates said he was understandably distraught by this turn of his events.

Pennington was hit by Titans defensive end Jason Babin on a stunt off the left side. Right tackle Vernon Carey missed the block, and Babin shoved Pennington so his followthrough caused his right arm to hit left tackle Jake Long.

Pennington stayed in for one more play, hitting Brian Hartline for 19 yards, before calling a timeout and removing himself from the game. Henne went 19 of 28 for 240 yards and a touchdown before he was hit from behind by Titans defensive tackle Tony Brown, who "leaked out late" on left guard Richie Incognito, the Dolphins lineman said.

Henne, who lost his starting job during the week, stayed on the ground for several minutes as trainers and team doctors examined his left leg. Henne was able to walk off on his own and gave a slight smile as he left.

Ronnie Brown (Wildcat) and Thigpen took the day's remaining snaps.

The last time the Dolphins lost two quarterbacks on the same day was the 2009 finale against Pittsburgh, when both Henne (eye) and Pat White (concussion) were knocked out in the span of a quarter.

"Second time this has happened to me," Sparano said. "It's getting a little bit old. These defensive guys are getting too good."